Band of the Year competition moving into gear

Band of the Year 2012™ today announced Music & Arts, the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer and lesson provider in the country, as the platinum host sponsor of this year’s mega music event, giving bands of all genres the opportunity to compete in top Texas venues betw een now and June 16. Competing bands will receive extensive visibility through national promotions and earned media highlights, along with reviews from an international panel of judges. Selected bands will participate in a valuable learning experience while vying for Band of the Year 2012, with six finalists performing at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. The victor of Band of the Year 2012 will perform during the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ race week in front of more than 130,000 new fans.

The complete Band of the Year 2012 competition will take place over a period of 10 weeks, with selected bands performing in qualifying heats in Austin, Dallas and Houston beginning May 24. Six finalists from these heats will have the opportunity to compete in front of 2,700 fans, agents, producers and industry celebrities starting at ACL Live at The Moody Theater on June 16.

Both Band of the Year 2012 and Music & Arts share the vision to help rising musicians and children discover their full musical potential. With an international panel of judges giving feedback to all bands who submit, the Band of the Year competition is designed to serve as both a platform for promoting top talent and a valuable learning experience for musicians.

“Band of the Year 2012 will showcase a multitude of top new talent,” said Shane Walker, director of Band of the Year. “The victors of ‘Band of the Year 2012’ will receive a $1,000 cash prize, free gear, and the opportunity to play in front of 130,000 new fans during the Grand Prix race week festivities.”

“Music & Arts is thrilled to be the Band of the Year 2012 host sponsor as we work with music educators and enthusiasts to preserve music in schools and local communities,” said Kenny O’Brien, president of Music & Arts. “I personally can’t wait to see the talent showcased at this competition and throughout Texas, especially as we’re opening two new store locations in Austin this summer to serve these musical communities.”

Band of the Year 2012 was created in conjunction with Formula Expo™ as a way of bringing Americans together to share their love for music, motorsports and the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix.

About Band of the Year 2012™

In partnership with Formula Expo™, Band of the Year 2012 is the premier event for bands of all genres to perform before music professionals and compete for the opportunity to promote their music nationally. Forty bands will be selected to perform live in Austin, Dallas, Houston or San Antonio, with six finalists performing at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Band of the Year 2012 was created in conjunction with Formula Expo™ as a way of bringing Americans together to share their love for music, motorsports and the upcoming Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix™. For more information visit: www.bandoftheyear2012.com

About Music & Arts
Music & Arts has served students, teachers, and families through retail stores and school representatives since 1952. Based in Frederick, MD, the company specializes in sales and rentals of music instruments, instrument repairs, and music lessons- especially for the beginning and student musician. Music & Arts now has over 100 retail locations across 20 states. For more information, visit www.musicarts.com.